Stay Up-to-Date with the Latest Developments at PPG!Issue 26: February 2018

Welcome to the latest edition of NEWS from the Guild, published in association with BARKS from the Guild, PPG’s bi-monthly trade publication for pet professionals.

PPG Responds to Scottish Government’s Updated Policy on Shock Collars

PPG is greatly encouraged by the Scottish Government’s updated Policy on Electronic Training Collars, dated January 24, 2018, which states that under Section 38 of the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006, it will be officially recognized that training methods that incorporate unpleasant stimuli or physical punishment can cause an animal pain, suffering and/or distress, and that using such methods may constitute the offense of causing unnecessary suffering under that Act. According to the policy, particular methods to avoid include: physical punishment, electronic collars to administer an electric shock, anti-bark collars, and startle devices. This new move by the Scottish government falls in line with PPG’s recently launched Shock-Free Coalition (shockfree.org), a global advocacy campaign which aims to end the practice of using electric shock to train, manage, and care for pets, build a strong and broad movement committed to eliminating shock devices from the supply chain, and create transparency on the methods used for consumers seeking professional advice on pet behavior or training issues. PPG applauds the Scottish Government for taking a stand on this matter. Read PPG's full response to the Scottish Government’s policy change.

New Corporate Sponsor

4 Legs 4 Pets has signed on as PPG's newest corporate partner. The company makes comfortable and attractive cots for place training, home, travel and more. The cots can be used indoors or outdoors, are breathable, lightweight, and stackable, and shaped both rectangular and square. There are eight sizes in all and offer the largest color selection on the market, according to the manufacturer. The company is family owned and operated since 1988, with all products being made in Van Buren, Arkansas using all USA-made raw materials. By mentioning the special PPG discount code in the order notes (at checkout, under shipping zip code), new customers will receive a free set of non-skid leg grippers (retail value $4.48) and leg plugs (retail value $4.48) for every cot ordered (applies to first order only). You can also order and apply for wholesale registration online. Again, mention the special discount code in the order notes to receive a free set of non-skid leg grippers and leg plugs for every cot ordered (applies to first order only). Contact 4 Legs 4 Pets for free fabric and leg color samples.

PPG is to host the Let's Coach Scent Work!, a two-day event on October 20 - 21, 2018 in Tampa, Florida hosted by Robert Hewings, head of learning and development for the UK College of Scent Detection. It will be Hewings’ first-ever appearance in the US. Working and auditor spots are available.

Cat Committee Appoints New Vice Chair

Tabitha Kucera has stepped up to be vice chair of the Cat Committee this year. Kucera is a valuable “addition to the committee,” said Cat Committee chair, Paula Garber.Kucera has been a registered veterinary technician for over seven years and she has worked with a number of local feline rescue organizations. Her work in these fields shed light on repeated occurrences of cat euthanasia and re-homing due to behavioral issues. She quickly became dedicated to learning about the root causes and permanent solutions to feline behavior concerns. Keeping cats in their loving homes is her utmost goal.

You can now order the print edition of the March issue of BARKS from the Guild. You won't want to miss the Cover Story, The Dark Side of Dog Training and Pet Care, which features real cases of abuse, neglect and death of dogs in training, day care or boarding and calls for improved standards and better education industry-wide, as well as for pet owners so they are able to make informed choices that ensure their pets stay safe.Other topics include:

BARKS is also onFacebook. If you would like to write for BARKS, either as a regular contributor, have a one-off article you'd like to submit, or would like to contribute to the PPG Blog, please email the editor, Susan Nilson.

Have You Signed the Shock-Free Pledge?

The key purpose of the Shock-Free Coalition is to build a strong and broad movement committed to eliminating shock devices from the supply and demand chain. This goal will be reached when shock tools and equipment are universally unavailable and not permitted for the training, management and care of pets. The Shock-Free Coalition believes that pets have an intrinsic right to be treated humanely, to have each of their individual needs met, and to live in a safe, enriched environment free from force, pain and fear. Members of the Shock-Free Coalition consider it to be their responsibility and utmost obligation to be vigilant, to educate, to remain engaged and work toward eliminating shock as a permissible tool so it is never considered a viable option in the training, management and care of pets. Sign the Shock-Free Pledge.

PPG has an online Discussion Forum for members to ask questions, solicit advice, discuss pertinent issues and soon.You can join the discussion in the members’ area of the website.

PPG on Twitter

PPG has an active Twitter account and often tweets about new scientific research studies, plus blog posts and videos that are of interest to pet professionals, in addition to its own news, blog posts, educational handouts and articles. Join us @PetGuild, www.twitter.com/PetGuild.

Topic: What adopters are looking for at shelters, science at Best Friends and what attendees can expect at PPG’s Behavior and Training Workshop in Kanab, Utah on 22-26 April, 2018. Teri Jaymes of new PPG corporate sponsor Brilliant K9 will also be on the show.Register to listen live.

PPG is offering selected webinars at a discount this month (discount valid till February 28, 2018).

Title

Presenter

Learn About The Biology of Socialization

Dr. Jessica Hekman

Deaf Dog Activities

Morag Heirs

Resolving Feline Issues - Soiling Outside The Box

Jane Ehrlich

What are Bridging Stimuli and How Many Types Are There?

Angelica Steinker

Teaching Animals to Communicate Through Pictures

Victoria Fogel

Standing Invitation to Join Facebook Groups - All about Cats, Horses

Join PPG All about Cats on Facebook to learn all about cat behavior and ask questions on anything feline related. If you areworking in equine behavior or wish to learn more about it, you are welcome at PPG All about Horses.

Dog*tec business coaches will be on hand for one-on-one in-person sit downs at this year’s annual summit in Orlando. If you’ve ever thought about taking advantage of their friendly, individualized consulting, this is a great chance to give it a try. Get some advice about how to start your dream business, or a little help with the business you already have. Wish you had more clients or students? Wondering how to raise your rates without risk? Need some support solving a pesky problem? A chat with dog*tec is just the thing. Consults will be pre-scheduled on a first come, first served basis later this year, so watch for the sign-up announcement!